Getting an ADHD Diagnosis as an Adult
With the worst of the pandemic behind us, we can now assess the impacts it had. As we all have heard through the news, here were many adverse effects of the pandemic including a toll on the public’s mental health. Many people suffered from increased anxiety and depression, and if you already had a mental health concern - the pandemic may have exacerbated the symptoms.
However, there were a few benefits that came from the lockdown, one being a growing online community. Many people sought a sense of belonging online and, through that, discovered many things about themselves. Through websites such as Reddit, TikTok, and YouTube, among others, people shared their stories and expanded their community.
For some, this expansion of online community and time alone led to insights about themselves: “Could I be neurodiverse?” As people shared their stories online of how their neurodiversity affected them; people realized they shared similar experiences, and this led to them seeking out a diagnosis.
It is estimated that 15-20% of the global population is neurodiverse. Neurodiversity is an umbrella term coined in the 90’s to cover a range of differences in the brain that impact how people think, function, behave, and how people perceive the world around them. Now, that is not to say that there is one right way to think! The term neurodiversity covers diagnoses such as Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), Learning Disability (LD), and Tourettes, among others.
Most people are diagnosed with ADHD as a young child when they start showing symptoms earlier. However, lesser talked about is getting a diagnosis as an adult - which is a hurdle many people faced during the pandemic. Youtubers such as HowToADHD, ADHD Dude, and The Mini ADHD Coach, among others, have channels dedicated to tips and tricks for those with ADHD - and let’s just say, they have a large following! Watching these videos helped people feel validated in their own everyday quirks - something they never felt before.
Signs and Symptoms of ADHD
There are three official types of ADHD (although some experts believe there may actually be upwards of 20!); inattentive, hyperactive, and combined. Here are some of the common signs and symptoms of each type of ADHD...
Inattentiveness (Difficulty Concentrating and Focusing)
having a short attention span
easily distracted
making careless mistakes
forgetting or losing things
being unable to stay on tasks that are tedious or time-consuming
trouble listening
trouble carrying out instructions
constantly changing activity or task
difficulty organizing
Hyperactivity and Impulsiveness
unable to sit still
constant fidgeting
being unable to concentrate on tasks
excessive physical movement
excessive talking
being unable to wait their turn
acting without thought
interrupting
For many, the community online brought a sense of relief knowing that there was something to explain why they struggled to complete assignments, stay on task, pay attention in class, or constantly deal with racing thoughts.
Getting a Diagnosis as an Adult
Some people may feel like they can receive a diagnosis when they are an adult because they’ve missed “the window” (aka childhood or teen years). However, it is never too late to be diagnosed and being diagnosed can open a whole new world of possibilities - such as proper treatment and medication options - not to mention a better understanding of yourself.
It is important to note there is not one specific thing that can indicate you have ADHD, symptoms look different in everyone and your experience may be different than the listed symptoms above.
Often times, “the list of ADHD symptoms” does not resonate with everyone, however, when hearing the stories of people with ADHD and how it impacted their daily lives (e.g. trouble remembering things on a grocery list, excessive spending, interrupting people in conversations, mental hyperactivity, irritation etc.) they realized they might have ADHD.
In Ontario, there are a handful of professionals who can provide you a diagnosis of ADHD
Psychiatrist (OHIP covered)
Neurologist (OHIP covered)
Primary Care Physician (OHIP covered)
Psychologist (usually private pay, unless provided by an government funded agency or hospital)
There have been many ADHD diagnostic clinics crop up online as well- including FRIDA and Psychotherapy Matters. These are quick options to fast track your referral to a doctor or psychiatrist, if you are willing to pay a relatively small fee.
ADHD Treatment at Brookhaven
Our clinicians are specially trained to look for signs of ADHD and treat them symptoms accordingly. Common therapies include Cognitive Behaviour Therapy and Mindfulness Training. We also have an exclusive partnership with Psychotherapy Matters for fast-track psychiatric assessments. Call Brookhaven to get connected to a clinician today!
